Following a campaign to build the world's first power-generating tidal lagoon in Swansea, Tidal Lagoon Power has announced plans for a series of tidal lagoons across the UK.

Alongside the current Swansea Bay proposal, there are five additional tidal lagoons planned – located in Cardiff, Newport, Colwyn Bay, Bridgwater and West Cumbria. It is hoped that these lagoons will generate 8% of the UK's electricity for an investment of £12bn.

The plans demonstrate that a tidal lagoon will capture incoming and outgoing tides behind giant sea walls, with the weight of the water powering the turbines. Due to the regular and predictable motion of the tides, it is a favourable form of renewable energy production. When completed and functional, it is estimated that the turbines will be active for an average of 14 hours a day.

It is expected that the sea wall of the Swansea Bay tidal lagoon will stretch more than five miles, with a reach of more than two miles out to sea. The lagoon will then be used for sport and leisure purposes, with the hope of keeping any potential disturbance to fisherman to a minimum.

Tidal Lagoon Power is currently in discussions with the government regarding costs for the power generated. For the Swansea scheme – a £1bn project expected to produce energy for 155,000 homes – the firm is negotiating for £168 per MWh for electricity, with the cost reducing to £90-£95 MWh for the supposed second project, a more efficient lagoon in Cardiff.

Energy Secretary Ed Davey has told BBC News: "I can't make a decision on this yet because discussions are ongoing. But I'm very excited by the prospect of tidal power.

"We have got some of the biggest tidal ranges in the world and it would be really useful if we could harness some of that clean energy."

For the online public and stakeholder data capturing, Tidal Lagoon Power have used Consense and the Open Debate system. Open Debate is our award-winning consultation tool that helps our clients engage with a wide range of people and demonstrate an open and inclusive approach through accessible, interactive and fully auditable consultations.